Multi-perspective background simulation cloaking process and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention described herein represents a significant improvement for the concealment of objects and people. Thousands of light receiving segmented pixels and sending segmented pixels are affixed to the surface of the object to be concealed. Each receiving segmented pixel receives colored light from the background of the object. Each receiving segmented pixel has a lens such that the light incident upon it is segmented to form focal points along a focal curve (or plane) according to the light&#39;s incident trajectory. In a first embodiment, this incident light is channeled by fiber optics to the side of the object which is opposite to each respective incident light segment. The light which was incident on a first side of the object traveling at a series of respective trajectories is thus redirected and exits on at least one second side of the object according to its original incident trajectory. In a second embodiment, this incident light is segmented according to trajectory, and detected electronically by photo diodes. It is then electronically reproduced on at least one second side of the object by arrayed LEDs. In this manor, incident light is reproduced as exiting light which mimics trajectory, color, and intensity such that an observer can “see through” the object to the background. In both embodiments, this process is repeated many times, in segmented pixel arrays, such that an observer looking at the object from any perspective actually “sees the background” of the object corresponding to the observer&#39;s perspective. The object having thus been rendered “invisible” to the observer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 09/757,053 filed Jan. 8, 2001.

BACKGROUND FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The concept of rendering objects invisible has long been contemplated in science fiction. Works such as Star Trek and The Invisible Man include means to render objects or people invisible. The actual achievement of making objects disappear however has heretofore been limited to fooling the human eye with “magic” tricks and camouflage. The latter often involves coloring the surface of an object such as a military vehicle with colors and patterns which make it blend in with its surrounding.

[0003] The process of collecting pictorial information in the form of two dimensional pixels and replaying it on monitors has been brought to a very fine art over the past one hundred years. Pryor cloaking devices utilize two dimensional pixels presented on a two dimensional screen. The devices do a poor job of enabling an observer to “see through” the hidden object and are not adequately portable for field deployment.

[0004] More recently, three dimensional pictorial “bubbles” have been created using optics and computer software to enable users to “virtually travel” from within a virtual bubble. The user interface for these virtual bubbles are nearly always presented on a two dims ional screen, with the user navigating to different views on the screen. When presented in a three dimensional user interface, the user is on the inside of these bubbles. These bubbles are not intended for use as nor are they suitable for cloaking an object.

[0005] The present invention creates a three dimensional virtual image bubble on the surface of an actual three dimensional object. By contrast, observers are on the outside of this three dimensional bubble. This three dimensional bubble renders the object invisible to observers who can only “see through” the object and observe the object's background. The present invention can make military and police vehicles and operatives invisible against their background from nearly any viewing perspective.

BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR INVENTION

[0006] The concept of rendering objects invisible has long been contemplated in science fiction. Works such as Star Trek and The Invisible Man include means to render objects or people invisible. Prior Art illustrates the active camouflage approach used in U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,631. This approach is also described in “JPL New Technology report NPO-20706” August 2000. It uses an image recording camera on the first side of an object and a image display screen on the second (opposite) side of the object. This approach is adequate to cloak an object from one known observation point but is inadequate to cloak an object from multiple observation points simultaneously. In an effort to improve upon this, the prior art of U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,162 uses a curved image display screen to send an image of the cloaked object's background and multiple image recording cameras to receive the background image. All of the prior art uses one or more cameras which record two dimensional pixels which are then displayed on screens which are themselves two dimensional. These prior art systems are inadequate to render objects invisible from multiple observation points. Moreover, they are too cumbersome for practical deployment in the field.

[0007] The process of collecting pictorial information in the form of two dimensional pixels and replaying it on monitors has been brought to a very fine art over the past one hundred years. More recently, three dimensional pictorial “bubbles” have been created using optics and computer software to enable users to “virtually travel” from within a virtual bubble. The user interface for these virtual bubble are nearly always presented on a two dimensional screen, with the user navigating to different views on the screen. When presented in a three dimensional user interface, the user is on the inside of the bubble with the image on the inside of the bubble's surface.

[0008] The present invention creates a three dimensional virtual image bubble on the outside surface of an actual three dimensional object. By contrast, observers are on the outside of this three dimensional bubble. This three dimensional bubble renders the object within the bubble invisible to observers who can only “see through the object” and observe the object's background. The present invention can make military and police vehicles and operatives invisible against their background from nearly any viewing perspective.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] The invention described herein represents a significant improvement for the concealment of objects and people. Thousands of directionally segmented light receiving pixels and directionally segmented light sending pixels are affixed to the surface of the object to be concealed. Each receiving pixel segment receives colored light from one point of the background of the object. Each receiving pixel segment is positioned such that the trajectory of the light striking it is known.

[0010] In a first, fiber optic embodiment, the light striking each receiving pixel segment is collected and channeled via fiber optic to a corresponding sending pixel segment. Said sending pixel segment's position corresponding to the known trajectory of the said light striking the receiving pixel surface. In this manner, light which was received on one side of the object is then sent on the same trajectory out a second side of the object. This process is repeated many times such that an observer looking at the object from nearly any perspective actually sees the background of the object corresponding to the observer's perspective. The object having been rendered “invisible” to the observer.

[0011] In a second, electronic embodiment, information describing the color and intensity of the light striking each receiving pixel segment (photo diode) is collected and sent to a corresponding sending pixel segment (LED). Said sending pixel segment's position corresponding to the known trajectory of the said light striking the receiving pixel surface. Light of the same color and intensity which was received on one side of the object is then sent on the same trajectory out a second side of the object. This process is repeated many times such that an observer looking at the object from nearly any perspective actually sees the background of the object corresponding to the observer's perspective. The object having been rendered “invisible” to the observer.

Objects and Advantages

[0012] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are apparent. It is an object of the present invention to create a three dimensional virtual image bubble surrounding or on the surface of objects and people. Observers looking at this three dimensional bubble from any viewing perspective are only able to see the background of the object through the bubble. This enables military vehicles and operatives to be more difficult to detect and may save lives in many instances. Likewise, police operatives operating within a bubble can be made difficult to detect by criminal suspects. The apparatus is designed to be rugged, reliable, and light weight.

[0013] The electronic embodiment can alternatively be used as a recording means and a three dimensional display means. The present invention provides a novel means to record visual information and to playback visual information in a three dimensional manor which enables the viewer of the recording to see a different perspective of the recorded light as he moves around the display surfaces while viewing the recorded image.

[0014] Further objects and advantages will become apparent from the enclosed figures and specifications.

DRAWING FIGURES

[0015]FIG. 1 prior art illustrates the shortcomings of prior art of U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,631 and of U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,162.

[0016]FIG. 2 prior art further illustrates the shortcomings of prior art.

[0017]FIG. 2a prior art is a first observer's perspective of the FIG. 2 objects.

[0018]FIG. 2b prior art is a second observer's perspective of the FIG. 2 objects.

[0019]FIG. 3 shows the novel effect of the present invention rendering an object (asset) invisible from nearly any viewing perspective.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a side view of one segmented pixel of the fiber optic (first) embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a side view of one segmented pixel of the electronic (second) embodiment.

[0022]FIG. 6 illustrates the one to one light receiving and sending relationship of a fiber optic pixel.

[0023]FIG. 7 illustrates the many trajectory one to one light receiving and sending relationship of a fiber optic pixel.

[0024]FIG. 8 illustrates the many trajectory one to one light receiving and sending relationship of a electronic pixel array.

[0025]FIG. 9a shows a pixel mapping process where a first light trajectory is mapped from a pixel “M” segment to a pixel “N” segment.

[0026]FIG. 9b shows the pixel mapping process of FIG. 9 where a second light trajectory is mapped from a pixel “M” segment to a pixel “O” segment.

[0027]FIG. 10 illustrates that one pixel cell has segments that correspond to pixel cell segments on multiple sides of the cloaked object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028]FIG. 1 prior art, illustrates the shortcomings of prior art of U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,631 and of U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,162. The top half of FIG. 1 illustrates the active camouflage approach used in U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,631. This approach is also described in “JPL New Technology report NPO-20706” August 2000. Asset 1 34 has a screen or image sender 37 on one side of it. An image receiver 35 on the opposite side of Asset 1 captures an image of the background which is then presented on the image sender. Background point X 32 is represented on the screen as X' 36. Note that for an observer at point S 31 this scheme does present a reasonable cloaking apparatus because background points line up with the observer such as X compared with X'. Unfortunately, for observation positions located anywhere other than S, the image sender presents an image that does not correspond with the background. An observer at point T 33 for example can see Asset 1 and can also see back ground point X and background representation point X'. The Asset is only cloaked from a narrow range of viewing positions. Additionally, when Asset 1 needs to be repositioned, it would be very cumbersome to concurrently reposition the image sender display screen. Obviously this two dimensional display screen approach in the prior art has significant short-comings as field deployable active camouflage.

[0029] The bottom half of FIG. 1—Prior Art illustrates the art of U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,162. Here the curved image sender display screen 47 together with multiple image receiving cameras 43 are used to overcome the shortcomings of the above discussed flat screen approach. An observer at point U 39 does see a reasonable representation of the background behind Asset 2 44. The observer at point V 49 however actually sees two representations of point Y 41 at Y' 45 and Y” 51. When considering deployment theaters where surroundings are distinctive such as buildings in urban areas, especially where the enemy has familiarity with the locations of background structures, such easily detected problems with the existing active camouflage schemes are not acceptable. Additionally, when Asset 2 needs to be repositioned, it would be very cumbersome to concurrently reposition the image sender display screen. Moreover, in today's complex theater conditions it is often not possible to predetermine from which viewing perspective an enemy will be seeing our asset, indeed the enemy may be on all sides of the asset. In essence, this is still a two dimensional representation presented on a curved two dimensional display screen.

[0030]FIG. 2 prior art further illustrates the shortcomings of prior art described in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts a very simple cloaking scenario, that of cloaking a Ship 63 against a Horizon 65. A deployed display screen 61 is deployed between two observers at points P 67 and Q 69. The Screen duplicates the image of the Horizon behind the Ship. FIG. 2a prior art is a first observer's (P) perspective of the FIG. 2 objects. This scheme works well from the P observation point, as depicted in FIG. 2a, P's View is that of an uninterrupted Horizon 65 a compared to the display screen 61 a. FIG. 2b prior art is a second observer's (Q) perspective of the FIG. 2 objects. Q can be either at lower elevation or at a greater distance than is P. In either case, Q's View as illustrated in FIG. 2b, shows a significant distortion in the positioning of the Horizon 65 b compared to display screen 61 b. The FIG. 2 sequence underscores the problem with prior art attempts to cloak even against quite simple backgrounds.

[0031]FIG. 3 shows an ideal cloaking system that is achievable by the present art. The novel effect of the present invention is that of rendering an object invisible from nearly any viewing perspective. The top section of FIG. 3 illustrates what the present technology (referred to herein as 3D Pixel Skin) can achieve. Background object E 71 can be observed at the correct light trajectory by an observer as he moves past the cloaked object along an observer path 75. By receiving background light from point E at a large number of points on the asset 3 73, replicating the background point E at a large number of points located on the surface of asset 3, the cloak accurately simulates how a background is perceived by any observer in any position and effectively renders the asset 3 invisible to an observer even as the observer moves around relative to the asset and in close proximity to the asset. Light reflected off of 71 is collected by light collectors on the asset which separates it according to its incident trajectory. A first trajectory 77 is collected on one side of the asset, it is then channeled by fiber optics to exit (or in an alternate embodiment electronically reproduced to exit) from a point on the asset corresponding to (directly in line with) its original trajectory as exiting light 79. This process is repeated many times such that light from 71 (and all other background points in all directions) is collected on one side of the asset and then exits on the other side of the asset. Thus of the background points can be “seen through” the asset rendering the asset invisible. As will be further discussed later, the 3D pixel skin consists of preformed rigid panels that are affixed to the surface of the asset and connected to one another such that each light receiving pixel segment (later defined) is communicating with a corresponding light sending pixel segment (later defined) and wherein corresponding segments are along the same light trajectories such as 77 and 79.

[0032] The bottom section of FIG. 3 further illustrates that the 3D Pixel Skin Cloaked Asset 87 is invisible to any observer at any observation point due to light receipt and transmittance (or light simulation in the electronic embodiment) from a vast number of trajectories. Observation points F 81 and G 89 are examples of two such observation points that both simultaneously see light trajectories and colors from all background objects with the correct light trajectories and orientations. A first light trajectory 85 is collected at the surface of 87 said light is diverted (or recorded in the electronic embodiment) such that it exits on it original trajectory as exiting light 83. Note that the observer can see all of the light trajectories coming from all of the background points as though the 87 wasn't there. Simultaneously, 89 also sees all of the background points as if the 87 wasn't there. For example, light 91 from a sample background point is received and diverted (or electronically reproduced) as asset 4 exiting light 93 such that the 89 observer can “see through” 87 and observe 91. As will be later described, collecting light from many different trajectories at many different points on all sides of an asset and then diverting that light in a fiber optic embodiment (or reproducing it in an electronic embodiment) such that light exits the asset on identical trajectories, at identical intensities, and with identical colors (essentially equivalent) to the light that is incident upon the surface of the asset, renders the asset “invisible” from nearly any observation point.

[0033]FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view of one segmented pixel of the fiber optic (first) embodiment. The pixel in FIG. 4 both receives light from and sends light to multiple directions simultaneously though the arrows for simplicity show light going only into the pixel. A primary optic 101 causes received light from different directions (trajectories) to form respective focal points along a focal curve (or plain). Received trajectory 107 represents light of one such trajectory (or from one background point). The 107 is focused by 103 and exits as focusing light 109 traveling toward a focal curve (or plane). The focal curve is divided into segments such as first focal collecting segment 111, each focal segment receives light from a different origination trajectory or background point. Each of these segments feeds the light it collects into a respective fiber optic such as first fiber optic relay 113. The fiber optic is welded along the focal curve such that the 109 is injected efficiently into the 113. All of the other fibers (possibly hundreds) are likewise welded such that the focal curve collecting apparatus is a rigid structure. This rigid structure as described later is rigidly connected to the 103 such that the components shown in FIG. 4 are all rigidly connected together. Note that each pixel has an array of fiber optics each of which collects light from a single focal point, wherein each focal point contains light from a common trajectory (or origination point). Similarly a second light trajectory 101 is focused by 103 to be injected into a fiber optic 117 which resides in a focal curve segment 115. Many such fibers receive light from many such light trajectories. All the light trajectories having been divided into focal points for injection into the respective fibers. It should be noted as is made clear later that light also simultaneously travels out of the fibers and 103 in the exact opposite directions. (This can be visualized by reversing the directions of all of the arrows on the depicted light.) The segmented focal curve collector can be manufactured as a one piece bowl shaped transparent plastic structure to which fiber optics can be affixed by a welding or gluing process.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a side view of one segmented pixel of the electronic (second) embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates an electrooptic sender and receiver of light from a range of trajectories. A primary optic 123 causes light from each respective trajectory (or background point) to form a respective focal point along a focal curve (or plane). Only two incoming trajectories are shown but in practice many trajectories of light enter the primary optic and form focal points along the focal curve (or plane). Positioned on the focal curve is a segmented array of photo diodes and LEDs. 127 being one photodiode which collects light from one focal point and 131 being one such LED that sends light (not shown) from a given focal point to the primary optic. Wires such as receiving wire 129 carry the electronic signal describing received light to a CPU (not shown) and wires such as sending wire 132 carry the energy from a CPU and driver circuit to power a respective LED to send light (not shown). The segmented electronic pixel receives light from many trajectories (background points) and sends light to many trajectories (to simulate light received from other pixels as later described.) The focal curve (or plane) is manufactured identically to that of FIG. 4 except LED's such as 131 and photo diodes such as 127 are embedded along the focal curve to send and receive light respectively. All of the components described in FIG. 5 are connected to form one rigid pixel cell which itself is part of a large panel of similar pixel cells.

[0035]FIG. 6 illustrates the one to one light receiving and sending relationship of a fiber optic pixel segment. FIG. 6 illustrates some pixels similar to those of FIG. 4 (or alternately FIG. 5). Light traveling in a first trajectory 155 passes through a primary optic 151 where it is caused to form a focal point along a focal curve 153. Located on the focal curve is a fiber optic 157 which collects the focused light and carries it to mapping center 159. The map of where the 155 light should be directed (such that it exits on the same trajectory at which it was incident) has been pre-established in a mapping process as discussed later. The mapping center redirects the light to a corresponding second fiber 161. The 161 fiber delivers the light to the focal curve of a corresponding pixel cell 163 from which the light diverges until it reaches a corresponding second primary lens 165 which sends the light on a desired trajectory 167. Note that the 167 trajectory corresponds to (is the same as) the path that the 155 light would have traveled had it not encountered the cloaked asset. An observer therefore sees the 155 light just as he would have had the cloaked object not been there. In a rigid structure, light traveling to the 151 pixel from the 155 relative trajectory, will always emerge from the 165 pixel at the 167 trajectory. All of the light arrows can be reversed and in practice, light is always traveling in both directions. The same pixel combination also cooperates in reverse, with light entering the opposite trajectory at 167 being redirected to exit in the opposite direction at 155. In a fixed map (rigid system), the 157 and 161 will always carry light of identical trajectories in both directions simultaneously. In practice a cloaked object is covered by many such segmented pixel cells each dividing light into many distinct incident and exiting trajectories. This causes an observer to “see through” the asset to the background behind the asset. It should be noted that sheets of segmented pixel skin consist of the focal plane receiving apparatus 168, a rigid connecting structure 169, and the primary optic 170. To the sheets are attached the hundreds or thousands of individual fibers (or in the alternate embodiment LEDs and photodiodes). These sheets are rigid and can be mounted on the surface of any asset. Each sheet is plugged into either one another or into a centralized mapping center where inter-pixel segment communication is arrange such as 159.

[0036]FIG. 7 illustrates the many to on light receiving and sending relationship of a segmented fiber optic pixel (a pixel receives light from many directions each of which is segmented and sent to a respective segment of many pixels). FIG. 7 illustrates some pixel cells operating cooperatively with light from multiple trajectories. Light from a first trajectory 171, light from a second trajectory 173 and light from a third trajectory 175, each enter a primary optic. Each light trajectory is caused to form respective focal points along a focal curve 177. At the focal curve, an array of fiber optics, each respectively collects light from one original trajectory. A fiber optic bundle 179 carries the light to a fiber optic mapping center 180 where the light is redirected to corresponding fiber optic cables 181. The 171 light is directed out a first corresponding pixel at its original trajectory 183. The 173 light is directed out a second corresponding pixel at its original trajectory 185. The 175 light is directed out a third corresponding pixel at its original trajectory 187. Thus light received from one pixel cell is divided into its origination trajectories (or background points) and directed to the series of pixel cells that corresponds to each respective trajectory. If a single pixel cell has one hundred receiving segments, it will have relationships with one hundred corresponding sending segments each located in one of one hundred pixel cells. Again, the light flows exactly in the reverse direction simultaneously.

[0037]FIG. 8 illustrates the many trajectories of light receiving and many trajectories of light sending occurring concurrently in the electronic (second embodiment) pixel array. FIG. 8 illustrates a series of pixel cells operating cooperatively. In practice light is being received by each pixel from a multitude of directions 191 and light is being sent from each pixel in a multitude of opposite directions 211. FIG. 8 shows the LED and photodiode arrays within each pixel operating cooperatively to receive light, send electric signals representing the light's frequencies and intensity, these signals are wired to an electronic mapping center 199 which amplifies the signals and sends corresponding power to the respective LEDs that can produce light which will simulate that received and send it at the same trajectory as received. Each pixel both receives and sends light. One additional use can come from the electro-optic embodiment (as opposed to the all fiber optic embodiment). Namely, since all of the information about the light coming into the cloaked asset is passed through a CPU in the 199, the information can be fed to a VR viewing system 201, a person inside of the cloaked asset, wearing a head mounted virtual reality (VR) unit can “see through” the walls of the cloaked asset. They can see a precise three dimensional representation of their surroundings from within the cloaked asset.

[0038] In practice, many thousands of such pixel cells, each containing tens of focal point receiving segments all operating collectively are required to achieve near invisibility from any observing perspective. It should be underscored that each pixel receives light from a multitude of directions. If a pixel has one hundred focal point collectors, they will cooperate with one hundred other pixels which will send light in one hundred different trajectories. The same one hundred pixels will each send light from one respective trajectory to that same pixel cell. This can be seen in the mapping illustrations FIG. 9a and 9 b. Further, the pixel cells are connected to one another to form a sturdy flat panel. The deployed panel is glued or other wise fastened to the surface of the object which is to be cloaked. This is the case with the assault beach craft of FIGS. 9a and 9 b.

[0039]FIG. 9a shows a pixel mapping process where a first light trajectory is mapped from a pixel “M” 227 segment to a pixel “N” 225 segment. FIG. 9b shows the pixel mapping process of FIG. 9a where a second light trajectory is mapped from a pixel “M” 227 a segment to a pixel “O” 231 segment. FIG. 9a and 9 b illustrate how lasers can be used to construct a map of which pixel segments correspond with which pixel segments. It is assumed that a navy beach assault craft 221 depicted has been fitted with permanent 3D pixel skin. When mapping the 3D pixel skin, Laser 1 223 and Laser 2 229 are always sending beams that are exactly opposite. At the mapping center, an electronic means for identifying which segment of which pixel cell is receiving laser light is utilized. In the fiber optic embodiment, a means for detecting which fibers are receiving the respective two laser lights is utilized. In FIG. 9a, Laser 1 is registered by a segment of pixel cell N, Laser 2 which is exactly opposite in trajectory of Laser 1 is registered in a segment of pixel cell M. These two respective segments are therefore mapped as a corresponding set of segments that will always communicate with one another. (Their fiber optic cables can be welded together at the mapping center, or alternately in the electrooptic embodiment, a CPU and memory can make note that they are a corresponding pair of pixel segments.) In FIG. 9b, Laser 2 strikes a second segment of pixel M 227 a, while Laser 1 is registered by a segment of pixel cell O 231. These two segments are therefore mapped as a corresponding segment pair. Note that if M has one hundred segments, it will communicate with one hundred segments of one hundred different pixel cells. It is important to note conceptually that the pixel segments that correspond to the M pixel segments will be located on every surface of the Army beach assault craft (as is illustrated in FIG. 10). This is why an observer viewing from any perspective will see an accurate representation of the cloaked object's background. Once a number of Pixel segments are mapped by laser, the rest of the pixels can be mapped by logic in software designed to mathematically create the map. Alternately, the laser process can be used to generate the whole pixel map. In a rigid application, once the map is generated it is permanent. It can however periodically be recalibrated to ensure its precision. In the fiber optic embodiment, each of the fibers of each respective pixel cell segment is paired physically by splicing or welding with one corresponding fiber. In the electronic LED photodiode embodiment, each receiving pixel segment is associated with one sending segment with this relationship being stored in a computer memory.

[0040]FIG. 10 is an asset covered in segmented pixel skin. It illustrates that one representative pixel cell has segments that correspond to pixel cell segments on multiple sides of the cloaked object. FIG. 10 illustrates five different trajectories of light entering one pixel cell which is one among many pixel cells on a mounted 3D Pixel Skin covered asset. Note that each of the five different trajectories emerges from a different surface. Each of the five exiting trajectories is the same as its respective entering trajectory. In practice, each pixel cell may separate light into tens of different relative trajectories some of which emerge from every surface of the object. Light enters a pixel cell at a first trajectory 241 and exits on the same first trajectory at 241 a. Light enters the same pixel cell at a second trajectory 243 and exits at that same second trajectory at 243 a. Light enters the same pixel cell at a third trajectory at 245 and exits at that same third trajectory at 245 a. Light enters the same pixel cell at a fourth trajectory 247 and exits at the same fourth trajectory 247 a. Light enters the same pixel at a fifth trajectory 249 and exits at that same fifth trajectory 249 a. Thus light received from one pixel cell on a first surface exits from all other surfaces of the cloaked asset. In a perfect cloaking system, the one pixel on a first side of the cloaked object would have similar relationships with every pixel on every other side of the cloaked asset. This causes the observer who is moving around the cloaked object to see every background point through every pixel on the object. In practical application some averaging would occur such that the background reproduction is not perfect.

Operation of the Invention

[0041]FIG. 1 prior art, illustrates the shortcomings of prior art of U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,631 and of U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,162. The top half of FIG. 1 illustrates the active camouflage approach used in U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,631. This approach is also described in “JPL New Technology report NPO-20706” August 2000. Asset 1 34 has a screen or image sender 37 on one side of it. An image receiver 35 on the opposite side of Asset 1 captures an image of the background which is then presented on the image sender. Background point X 32 is represented on the screen as X' 36. Note that for an observer at point S 31 this scheme does present a reasonable cloaking apparatus because background points line up with the observer such as X compared with X'. Unfortunately, for observation positions located anywhere other than S, the image sender presents an image that does not correspond with the background. An observer at point T 33 for example can see Asset 1 and can also see back ground point X and background representation point X'. The Asset is only cloaked from a narrow range of viewing positions. Additionally, when Asset 1 needs to be repositioned, it would be very cumbersome to concurrently reposition the image sender display screen. Obviously this two dimensional display screen approach in the prior art has significant short-comings as field deployable active camouflage.

[0042] The bottom half of FIG. 1—Prior Art illustrates the art of U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,162. Here the curved image sender display screen 47 together with multiple image receiving cameras 43 are used to overcome the shortcomings of the above discussed flat screen approach. An observer at point U 39 does see a reasonable representation of the background behind Asset 2 44. The observer at point V 49 however actually sees two representations of point Y 41 at Y' 45 and Y'' 51. When considering deployment theaters where surroundings are distinctive such as buildings in urban areas, especially where the enemy has familiarity with the locations of background structures, such easily detected problems with the existing active camouflage schemes are not acceptable. Additionally, when Asset 2 needs to be repositioned, it would be very cumbersome to concurrently reposition the image sender display screen. Moreover, in today's complex theater conditions it is often not possible to predetermine from which viewing perspective an enemy will be seeing our asset, indeed the enemy may be on all sides of the asset. In essence, this is still a two dimensional representation presented on a curved two dimensional display screen.

[0043]FIG. 2 prior art further illustrates the shortcomings of prior art described in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts a very simple cloaking scenario, that of cloaking a Ship 63 against a Horizon 65. A deployed display screen 61 is deployed between two observers at points P 67 and Q 69. The Screen duplicates the image of the Horizon behind the Ship. FIG. 2a prior art is a first observer's (P) perspective of the FIG. 2 objects. This scheme works well from the P observation point, as depicted in FIG. 2a, P's View is that of an uninterrupted Horizon 65 a compared to the display screen 61 a. FIG. 2b prior art is a second observer's (Q) perspective of the FIG. 2 objects. Q can be either at lower elevation or at a greater distance than is P. In either case, Q's View as illustrated in FIG. 2b, shows a significant distortion in the positioning of the Horizon 65 b compared to display screen 61 b. The FIG. 2 sequence underscores the problem with prior art attempts to cloak even against quite simple backgrounds.

[0044]FIG. 3 shows an ideal cloaking system that is achievable by the present art. The novel effect of the present invention is that of rendering an object invisible from nearly any viewing perspective. The top section of FIG. 3 illustrates what the present technology (referred to herein as 3D Pixel Skin) can achieve. Background object E 71 can be observed at the correct light trajectory by an observer as he moves past the cloaked object along an observer path 75. By receiving background light from point E at a large number of points on the asset 3 73, replicating the background point E at a large number of points located on the surface of asset 3, the cloak accurately simulates how a background is perceived by any observer in any position and effectively renders the asset 3 invisible to an observer even as the observer moves around relative to the asset and in close proximity to the asset. Light reflected off of 71 is collected by light collectors on the asset which separates it according to its incident trajectory. A first trajectory 77 is collected on one side of the asset, it is then channeled by fiber optics to exit (or in an alternate embodiment electronically reproduced to exit) from a point on the asset corresponding to (directly in line with) its original trajectory as exiting light 79. This process is repeated many times such that light from 71 (and all other background points in all directions) is collected on one side of the asset and then exits on the other side of the asset. Thus of the background points can be “seen through” the asset rendering the asset invisible. As will be further discussed later, the 3D pixel skin consists of preformed rigid panels that are affixed to the surface of the asset and connected to one another such that each light receiving pixel segment (later defined) is communicating with a corresponding light sending pixel segment (later defined) and wherein corresponding segments are along the same light trajectories such as 77 and 79.

[0045] The bottom section of FIG. 3 further illustrates that the 3D Pixel Skin Cloaked Asset 87 is invisible to any observer at any observation point due to light receipt and transmittance (or light simulation in the electronic embodiment) from a vast number of trajectories. Observation points F 81 and G 89 are examples of two such observation points that both simultaneously see light trajectories and colors from all background objects with the correct light trajectories and orientations. A first light trajectory 85 is collected at the surface of 87 said light is diverted (or recorded in the electronic embodiment) such that it exits on it original trajectory as exiting light 83. Note that the observer can see all of the light trajectories coming from all of the background points as though the 87 wasn't there. Simultaneously, 89 also sees all of the background points as if the 87 wasn't there. For example, light 91 from a sample background point is received and diverted (or electronically reproduced) as asset 4 exiting light 93 such that the 89 observer can “see through” 87 and observe 91. As will be later described, collecting light from many different trajectories at many different points on all sides of an asset and then diverting that light in a fiber optic embodiment (or reproducing it in an electronic embodiment) such that light exits the asset on identical trajectories, at identical intensities, and with identical colors (essentially equivalent) to the light that is incident upon the surface of the asset, renders the asset “invisible” from nearly any observation point.

[0046]FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view of one segmented pixel of the fiber optic (first) embodiment. The pixel in FIG. 4 both receives light from and sends light to multiple directions simultaneously though the arrows for simplicity show light going only into the pixel. A primary optic 101 causes received light from different directions (trajectories) to form respective focal points along a focal curve (or plain). Received trajectory 107 represents light of one such trajectory (or from one background point). The 107 is focused by 103 and exits as focusing light 109 traveling toward a focal curve (or plane). The focal curve is divided into segments such as first focal collecting segment 111, each focal segment receives light from a different origination trajectory or background point. Each of these segments feeds the light it collects into a respective fiber optic such as first fiber optic relay 113. The fiber optic is welded along the focal curve such that the 109 is injected efficiently into the 113. All of the other fibers (possibly hundreds) are likewise welded such that the focal curve collecting apparatus is a rigid structure. This rigid structure as described later is rigidly connected to the 103 such that the components shown in FIG. 4 are all rigidly connected together. Note that each pixel has an array of fiber optics each of which collects light from a single focal point, wherein each focal point contains light from a common trajectory (or origination point). Similarly a second light trajectory 101 is focused by 103 to be injected into a fiber optic 117 which resides in a focal curve segment 115. Many such fibers receive light from many such light trajectories. All the light trajectories having been divided into focal points for injection into the respective fibers. It should be noted as is made clear later that light also simultaneously travels out of the fibers and 103 in the exact opposite directions. (This can be visualized by reversing the directions of all of the arrows on the depicted light.) The segmented focal curve collector can be manufactured as a one piece bowl shaped transparent plastic structure to which fiber optics can be affixed by a welding or gluing process.

[0047]FIG. 5 is a side view of one segmented pixel of the electronic (second) embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates an electrooptic sender and receiver of light from a range of trajectories. A primary optic 123 causes light from each respective trajectory (or background point) to form a respective focal point along a focal curve (or plane). Only two incoming trajectories are shown but in practice many trajectories of light enter the primary optic and form focal points along the focal curve (or plane). Positioned on the focal curve is a segmented array of photo diodes and LEDs. 127 being one photodiode which collects light from one focal point and 131 being one such LED that sends light (not shown) from a given focal point to the primary optic. Wires such as receiving wire 129 carry the electronic signal describing received light to a CPU (not shown) and wires such as sending wire 132 carry the energy from a CPU and driver circuit to power a respective LED to send light (not shown). The segmented electronic pixel receives light from many trajectories (background points) and sends light to many trajectories (to simulate light received from other pixels as later described.) The focal curve (or plane) is manufactured identically to that of FIG. 4 except LED's such as 131 and photo diodes such as 127 are embedded along the focal curve to send and receive light respectively. All of the components described in FIG. 5 are connected to form one rigid pixel cell which itself is part of a large panel of similar pixel cells.

[0048]FIG. 6 illustrates the one to one light receiving and sending relationship of a fiber optic pixel segment. FIG. 6 illustrates some pixels similar to those of FIG. 4 (or alternately FIG. 5). Light traveling in a first trajectory 155 passes through a primary optic 151 where it is caused to form a focal point along a focal curve 153. Located on the focal curve is a fiber optic 157 which collects the focused light and carries it to mapping center 159. The map of where the 155 light should be directed (such that it exits on the same trajectory at which it was incident) has been pre-established in a mapping process as discussed later. The mapping center redirects the light to a corresponding second fiber 161. The 161 fiber delivers the light to the focal curve of a corresponding pixel cell 163 from which the light diverges until it reaches a corresponding second primary lens 165 which sends the light on a desired trajectory 167. Note that the 167 trajectory corresponds to (is the same as) the path that the 155 light would have traveled had it not encountered the cloaked asset. An observer therefore sees the 155 light just as he would have had the cloaked object not been there. In a rigid structure, light traveling to the 151 pixel from the 155 relative trajectory, will always emerge from the 165 pixel at the 167 trajectory. All of the light arrows can be reversed and in practice, light is always traveling in both directions. The same pixel combination also cooperates in reverse, with light entering the opposite trajectory at 167 being redirected to exit in the opposite direction at 155. In a fixed map (rigid system), the 157 and 161 will always carry light of identical trajectories in both directions simultaneously. In practice a cloaked object is covered by many such segmented pixel cells each dividing light into many distinct incident and exiting trajectories. This causes an observer to “see through” the asset to the background behind the asset. It should be noted that sheets of segmented pixel skin consist of the focal plane receiving apparatus 168, a rigid connecting structure 169, and the primary optic 170. To the sheets are attached the hundreds or thousands of individual fibers (or in the alternate embodiment LEDs and photodiodes). These sheets are rigid and can be mounted on the surface of any asset. Each sheet is plugged into either one another or into a centralized mapping center where inter-pixel segment communication is arrange such as 159.

[0049]FIG. 7 illustrates the many to on light receiving and sending relationship of a segmented fiber optic pixel (a pixel receives light from many directions each of which is segmented and sent to a respective segment of many pixels). FIG. 7 illustrates some pixel cells operating cooperatively with light from multiple trajectories. Light from a first trajectory 171, light from a second trajectory 173 and light from a third trajectory 175, each enter a primary optic. Each light trajectory is caused to form respective focal points along a focal curve 177. At the focal curve, an array of fiber optics, each respectively collects light from one original trajectory. A fiber optic bundle 179 carries the light to a fiber optic mapping center 180 where the light is redirected to corresponding fiber optic cables 181. The 171 light is directed out a first corresponding pixel at its original trajectory 183. The 173 light is directed out a second corresponding pixel at its original trajectory 185. The 175 light is directed out a third corresponding pixel at its original trajectory 187. Thus light received from one pixel cell is divided into its origination trajectories (or background points) and directed to the series of pixel cells that corresponds to each respective trajectory. If a single pixel cell has one hundred receiving segments, it will have relationships with one hundred corresponding sending segments each located in one of one hundred pixel cells. Again, the light flows exactly in the reverse direction simultaneously.

[0050]FIG. 8 illustrates the many trajectories of light receiving and many trajectories of light sending occurring concurrently in the electronic (second embodiment) pixel array. FIG. 8 illustrates a series of pixel cells operating cooperatively. In practice light is being received by each pixel from a multitude of directions 191 and light is being sent from each pixel in a multitude of opposite directions 211. FIG. 8 shows the LED and photodiode arrays within each pixel operating cooperatively to receive light, send electric signals representing the light's frequencies and intensity, these signals are wired to an electronic mapping center 199 which amplifies the signals and sends corresponding power to the respective LEDs that can produce light which will simulate that received and send it at the same trajectory as received. Each pixel both receives and sends light. One additional use can come from the electro-optic embodiment (as opposed to the all fiber optic embodiment). Namely, since all of the information about the light coming into the cloaked asset is passed through a CPU in the 199, the information can be fed to a VR viewing system 201, a person inside of the cloaked asset, wearing a head mounted virtual reality (VR) unit can “see through” the walls of the cloaked asset. They can see a precise three dimensional representation of their surroundings from within the cloaked asset.

[0051] In practice, many thousands of such pixel cells, each containing tens of focal point receiving segments all operating collectively are required to achieve near invisibility from any observing perspective. It should be underscored that each pixel receives light from a multitude of directions. If a pixel has one hundred focal point collectors, they will cooperate with one hundred other pixels which will send light in one hundred different trajectories. The same one hundred pixels will each send light from one respective trajectory to that same pixel cell. This can be seen in the mapping illustrations FIG. 9a and 9 b. Further, the pixel cells are connected to one another to form a sturdy flat panel. The deployed panel is glued or other wise fastened to the surface of the object which is to be cloaked. This is the case with the assault beach craft of FIGS. 9a and 9 b.

[0052]FIG. 9a shows a pixel mapping process where a first light trajectory is mapped from a pixel “M” 227 segment to a pixel “N” 225 segment. FIG. 9b shows the pixel mapping process of FIG. 9a where a second light trajectory is mapped from a pixel “M” 227 a segment to a pixel “O” 231 segment. FIG. 9a and 9 b illustrate how lasers can be used to construct a map of which pixel segments correspond with which pixel segments. It is assumed that a navy beach assault craft 221 depicted has been fitted with permanent 3D pixel skin. When mapping the 3D pixel skin, Laser 1 223 and Laser 2 229 are always sending beams that are exactly opposite. At the mapping center, an electronic means for identifying which segment of which pixel cell is receiving laser light is utilized. In the fiber optic embodiment, a means for detecting which fibers are receiving the respective two laser lights is utilized. In FIG. 9a, Laser 1 is registered by a segment of pixel cell N, Laser 2 which is exactly opposite in trajectory of Laser 1 is registered in a segment of pixel cell M. These two respective segments are therefore mapped as a corresponding set of segments that will always communicate with one another. (Their fiber optic cables can be welded together at the mapping center, or alternately in the electrooptic embodiment, a CPU and memory can make note that they are a corresponding pair of pixel segments.) In FIG. 9b, Laser 2 strikes a second segment of pixel M 227 a, while Laser 1 is registered by a segment of pixel cell O 231. These two segments are therefore mapped as a corresponding segment pair. Note that if M has one hundred segments, it will communicate with one hundred segments of one hundred different pixel cells. It is important to note conceptually that the pixel segments that correspond to the M pixel segments will be located on every surface of the Army beach assault craft (as is illustrated in FIG. 10). This is why an observer viewing from any perspective will see an accurate representation of the cloaked object's background. Once a number of Pixel segments are mapped by laser, the rest of the pixels can be mapped by logic in software designed to mathematically create the map. Alternately, the laser process can be used to generate the whole pixel map. In a rigid application, once the map is generated it is permanent. It can however periodically be recalibrated to ensure its precision. In the fiber optic embodiment, each of the fibers of each respective pixel cell segment is paired physically by splicing or welding with one corresponding fiber. In the electronic LED photodiode embodiment, each receiving pixel segment is associated with one sending segment with this relationship being stored in a computer memory. FIG. 10 is an asset covered in segmented pixel skin. It illustrates that one representative pixel cell has segments that correspond to pixel cell segments on multiple sides of the cloaked object. FIG. 10 illustrates five different trajectories of light entering one pixel cell which is one among many pixel cells on a mounted 3D Pixel Skin covered asset. Note that each of the five different trajectories emerges from a different surface. Each of the five exiting trajectories is the same as its respective entering trajectory. In practice, each pixel cell may separate light into tens of different relative trajectories some of which emerge from every surface of the object. Light enters a pixel cell at a first trajectory 241 and exits on the same first trajectory at 241 a. Light enters the same pixel cell at a second trajectory 243 and exits at that same second trajectory at 243 a. Light enters the same pixel cell at a third trajectory at 245 and exits at that same third trajectory at 245 a. Light enters the same pixel cell at a fourth trajectory 247 and exits at the same fourth trajectory 247 a. Light enters the same pixel at a fifth trajectory 249 and exits at that same fifth trajectory 249 a. Thus light received from one pixel cell on a first surface exits from all other surfaces of the cloaked asset. In a perfect cloaking system, the one pixel on a first side of the cloaked object would have similar relationships with every pixel on every other side of the cloaked asset. This causes the observer who is moving around the cloaked object to see every background point through every pixel on the object. In practical application some averaging would occur such that the background reproduction is not perfect.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

[0053] Thus the reader will see that the Multi-Perspective Background Simulation Cloaking Process and Apparatus of this invention provides a highly functional and reliable means for using well known technology to conceal the presence of an object (or asset). This is achieved optically in a first embodiment and electronically in a second embodiment.

[0054] While the above description describes many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible.

[0055] Lenses which enable wide angle light segmentation at the pixel level can be designed in many configurations and in series using multiple elements, shapes and gradient indices. Light can be directed by a lens to form a series of focal points along a focal plane instead of a along a focal curve. A fiber optic element can be replaced by a light pipe with internal reflection means that performs substantially equivalently. Photo diodes and LED's can be replaced by other light detecting and light producing means respectively. The mapping means can consist of a simple plug which connects prefabricated (and pre-mapped) segmented pixel array components designed to fit onto a particular asset.

[0056] The electronic embodiment segmented pixel receiving array (trajectory specific Photo diode array) can be used as input for a video recording and storage means. (This is a novel camera application of the present invention.) The electronic embodiment segmented pixel sending array (trajectory specific LED array) can be used as an output means for displaying video images which enable multiple users in different positions to view different perspectives simultaneously on a single video display device. Alternately, one viewer moving around relative to the display will see different images as they would moving around in the real world. (This is a novel video display application of the present invention.)

[0057] The fiber optic embodiment segmented pixel receiving array (trajectory specific fiber array) can be used as input for a video recording and storage means. (This is a novel camera application of the present invention.) The fiber optic embodiment segmented pixel sending array (trajectory specific fiber array) can be used as an output means for displaying video images which enable multiple users in different positions to view different perspectives simultaneously on a single video display device. Alternately, one viewer moving around relative to the display will see different images as they would moving around in the real world. (This is a novel video display application of the present invention.) 

I claim:
 1. A means for receiving a light beam on a first side of an object and for generating a corresponding light beam on a second side of said object, wherein said corresponding light beam is intended to resemble the received light beam in trajectory, color and intensity.
 2. An array of lenses for receiving light from at least two trajectories and a second array of lenses for emitting light in at least two trajectories; wherein the receiving light trajectories are equivalent to the emitting light trajectories.
 3. A means for receiving a light beam on a first side of an object at a first trajectory and for channeling it to a second side of said object, where it is released at the same said trajectory. 